This vibrant textile installation stretches directly over the Andador 20 de Noviembre, bustling pedestrian corridor, blending centuries-old Mexican craft traditions with global soccer fever.
Image: Instagram/ eddiesuarezphotography.com
As the 2026 Fifa World Cup sweeps across North America, Zapopan in Mexico has been transformed by a breathtaking, record-breaking piece of street art.
A massive, hand-crocheted canopy titled "Cielo Tejido" (Woven Sky), also referred to as "The World Cup Forest", blankets the Andador 20 de Noviembre, a highly popular pedestrian street in Zapopan's historic centre.
Stretching 220 meters from the iconic Arches of Zapopan right to the entrance of the main square, this work of art blends centuries-old Mexican craft traditions with global soccer fever.
The masterpiece was created by the Etzatlán Weavers Association (Cielo Tejido collective), founded by mother-and-daughter duo Lorena Ron and Paloma.
The collective is dedicated to preserving traditional Mexican craftsmanship on a massive scale and includes over 200 women artisans from the nearby town.
These artists gained global fame when they broke the Guinness World Record for the world's largest crochet canopy in Etzatlán, requiring over eight months of labour.
For this project, the collective required an astonishing 1,400 kilometres of thread and coloured raffia string to complete the masterpiece.
The design of the canopy is intentionally curated to honour the local matches schedule.
Zapopan and Guadalajara are hosting several matches at the Estadio Guadalajara (Estadio Akron).
The canopy celebrates national teams, Mexico, Colombia, South Korea, Uruguay, Spain, the Czech Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are slated to play on local turf by incorporating the colours and motifs of their flags.
Also woven into the pattern is an Aztec feathered serpent that slithers down the entire 220-meter stretch, "shedding its skin" as it passes the totems of each playing nation.
It also has tree-like totems covered in colourful crocheted hexagons. These represent the sacred connection between heaven and earth in indigenous folklore, while mirroring the patchwork of a classic soccer ball.
The canopy also serves as a sunshade, as Jalisco brings intense heat during June.
"It filters the harsh Mexican sunlight, casting colourful shadows over families, international tourists, and football fans who are strolling through the historic centre or dining at the open-air cafes beneath it," said an online report.
The installation has already attracted locals and tourists who are flocking to the city.
@louis_vargnelli wrote: "Yesterday I went to see it, it's an absolute beauty and work of art 😍😍😍 That's why we will be the best headquarters in the World."
@maviespiep said: "Honestly, this is very beautiful, you can see the enormous work and love they put into it. I'm from Uruguay and fell in love with her art. Congratulations!!!"
@victoriamerceria commented: "What a beauty 🥰 this is art! 100% handmade by a huge community that loves the art of knitting 🧶🌈."